Brussels Midi luggage storage

About Brussels Midi

With 22 platforms, Brussels Midi is the largest station in Belgium and one of the major stations of Europe. The Eurostar to London calls here, as does the Thalys train to Paris and several high-speed trains to Frankfurt, Cologne, and Berlin. As a result, Brussels Midi is a crucial link in train travel across Europe.

The name Brussels Midi is French, one of Belgium’s official languages. It comes from the fact that the station was very popular in the 19th century with travelers heading to the south of France, also known as the Midi. The station is also sometimes called Brussel Zuid in Flemish, or Brussels South in English.

There has been a train station on the site since 1839. However, the current station only dates back to 1949. Constructed in the postwar Functionalist style, the station was expanded in 1990 to accommodate the Eurostar trains that pass through the Channel Tunnel to reach London. Because of the different immigration requirements, platforms 1 and 2 where the Eurostar stops have border control agents to check passports, whereas other platforms don't.

As the station's Flemish name implies, Brussels Midi is to the south of the center of Brussels. It's an approximately 20-minute walk to the Grand Place from the station, meaning it's possible to start exploring Brussels from the moment you arrive.

Things to do near Brussels Midi

Brussels Midi station isn't quite in the heart of the city. However, it's near enough that it's easy to explore Brussels from the station. Whether you walk into the heart of town or take advantage of the excellent transportation links, you'll soon find yourself immersed in the culture of this European capital.

• Drink in Belgian culture — literally — at l'Ermitage Nanobrewery. This brewery and taproom is close to the station and offers a selection of microbrew beers made right on site. Belgium's beer culture is famous throughout the world, and this is a great introduction to this facet of Belgian life.
• Venture underneath the city at the Sewer Museum. This quirky museum explores some of Belgium's hundreds of miles of sewer tunnels and offers a unique perspective on the history of the city. Strange as it may sound, the tours here are very informative as well as entertaining.
• Visit the 14th-century Halle Gate. This fortified gate was once one of the main entrances to Brussels. It's forbidding battlements now house a museum that explains the role of the gate in the history of the city.
• Shop like a local at the Abattoir. You'll find more than just meat at this covered market. Clothes, shoes, herbs, cheese, olive oil, and other items can all be bought here, making for some unique souvenirs or gifts for the people back home.
• Get those all-important selfies at Belgium's most famous landmark, the Manneken Pis. This statue of a young boy urinating has become an icon of the city and the Belgian sense of humor. Sometimes, the statue is dressed up for special events.

Transit options at Brussels Midi

• The station is attached to a Metro station called Gare du Midi. The station is served by Line 2 of the Brussels subway.
• A bus station outside Brussels Midi allows you to catch long-distance buses to other European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and London.
• A shuttle service to Brussels Charleroi airport leaves from outside Brussels Midi station.
• Tramline 81 also stops just north of the station.

Luggage storage near Brussels Midi

No matter what time of year you visit, Brussels Midi is an extraordinarily busy place. The station receives millions of visitors each year, so the moment you step off a train, you'll find yourself in a crowd.

Make your trip easier on yourself by finding luggage storage near Brussels Midi station and dropping off your bags. Bounce provides convenient luggage storage around the world, so you can be sure you'll find a secure location near you.

Activities and attractions near Brussels Midi

• The Grand Place: Brussels' central square, the Grand Place is surrounded by ornate guildhalls and Brussels City Hall. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage destination and is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. There's always something going on at the Grand Place, so grab a table at one of the many sidewalk cafés and enjoy the spectacle. Due to the near-constant crowds in this area, it's a good idea to drop off any large bags you may be carrying before you visit.
• Royal Palace: The palace is no longer the home of the Belgian royal family, but it still serves them as an office and administrative headquarters. In the summer, it's possible to visit certain rooms of the palace and see the opulent style in which Belgium's monarchs lived for many years. Understandably, security is tight at this location, so make sure you don't bring any heavy bags, as they will not be allowed inside.
• Mini Europe Park: Explore some of Europe's most famous monuments without leaving Brussels at the Mini Europe Park. This unique attraction has 1:25 scale replicas of some of the most famous buildings on the continent, including the Berlin Wall, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Eiffel Tower. It's especially popular with kids, who will feel like giants as they tower above the famous buildings.